When you’re going off to college, there are a number of different things to consider before you start packing and prepare to leave. One of the most important things that many people ask is whether they should bring their pet with them to college. There are pros and cons to either side, but most importantly, there are a few questions to consider. Ask yourself these questions before deciding.

1. Where Are You Going to College?

First of all, where are you going to college? For example, if you’re planning to go to Pasadena City College, you’re going to need to look up the best vets in Los Angeles, make sure that your pet can handle the weather, and potentially ensure that your pet will be okay moving there if you don’t already live in Los Angeles. The place where you live is an important part of whether or not your pet will be comfortable going to college with you.

2. Where Will You Be Living in College?

Next up, where are you actually going to be living? Will it be a dormitory? Will it be an apartment? Will it be a home that you’re renting? Usually, dormitories are pretty strict about not allowing animals or only allowing very small and easy-to-care-for animals, apartments may have breed restrictions, while homes will usually be the most permissive.

3. What Is Your Budget Like?

Pets need you to spend a certain amount of money on them every month, and many college students don’t have a lot of money to spend on themselves, much less on your pet. If you already know you’re going to be struggling financially in college, you may need to be comfortable cutting back even more on the amount of money you’ll spend on yourself.

4. Will Your Family Be Able to Care for Your Pet Instead?

What is the option for if you don’t bring your pet to college? Is your family going to be able to care for your pet? Will you be able to have a friend care for your pet? Is there a completely different option available in case your family or friends aren’t able to care for it? Understanding the other option can help you make a more informed choice.

5. How Attached Are You to Your Pet, and Vice Versa?

Finally, spare some thought for how attached you are to your pet, as well as how attached your pet is to you. If neither of you are especially attached to each other, you may be able to just come back home every so often to enjoy some time with them, then leave for college for most of the semester. If you’re inseparable, you may be more likely to bring them with you.

Conclusion

There’s not necessarily a “right” or “wrong” answer to the question of whether you should bring your pet to college. It’s all about what’s right for you and your pet. Ask yourself these five questions and make sure you have concrete answers for them before deciding which one you’re going to choose. Bringing your pet to college can be great for both you and your pet, but there are also plenty of options if you would prefer to leave them at home for these few years.